28 Februari 2017

RAAF EA-18G Growler (all photos : Paul Sadler)RAAF enters electronic warfare era with Growler arrivalThe Royal Australian Air Force’s new Boeing EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack aircraft have arrived at the Avalon Airshow on their public debut.The aircraft flew in for their appearance at the airshow having recently been ferried to Australia from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in the US.“This is a beast; it was built to be a war aircraft and that is exactly what we plan to use it for,” said Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies, welcoming the arrival of Australia’s first electronic warfare aircraft on Tuesday.“This is a precision instrument; it is something we can use to fit into the rest of the Australian [order of battle]; it is something that we need to learn how to use.”Meanwhile, Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne announced that Australia is set to partner with the US in the development of a next-generation radar and radio jammer for the Growler with an investment of $250 million.

“Electronic warfare is a rapidly evolving area and we want to ensure that these aircraft remain at the technological forefront throughout their service life, so we will work in partnership with the United States Navy to develop that next-generation jamming capability,” Minister Payne said.The Growler is capable of providing force-level electronic warfare support by disrupting, deceiving or denying access to an adversary’s electronic systems, including radars and communications systems.“Integration is the key; it is not just about aeroplanes,” Air Marshal Davies said.“I expect this aeroplane to spend more time flying with the Army and the Navy than it actually does with the Air Force.”By the middle of this year, all 12 aircraft are expected to have arrived at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland to be operated by 6 Squadron.Australia is the only country besides the US to fly the Growler.(Australian Aviation)

Austal Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (images : Austal)Austal (ASX:ASB) is pleased to advise that the Detailed Design Review (DDR) for the A$306 million Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) Project has been successfully completed on time and in accordance with the contracted schedule.A key element of the Commonwealth’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy, the PPB-R Project is contributing to the growth of Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability in the lead up to the Offshore Patrol Vessel and Future Frigate programs for the Royal Australian Navy, due to commence in 2018 and 2020, respectively.The completion of the DDR, on time, formally signifies the end of the design phase and the commencement of the production phase of the nineteen steel vessel program, awarded to Austal in May 2016. DDR is a key, mandated milestone in the Commonwealth’s ASDEFCON contracting process and the PPB-R detailed design confirmation, on 10th February 2017, which will enable the product baseline to be established.Announcing the milestone, Austal’s PPB-R Project Manager Matthew Klingberg highlighted the effective working relationship between Austal and the Commonwealth on the PPB-R Project.

“Achieving DDR on a Commonwealth shipbuilding project is a significant milestone, particularly as this was achieved within 8 months from the Contract Effective Date. This was made possible by the dedicated efforts of both the Austal and Commonwealth teams, working together in an open and collaborative manner,” Klingberg said.The PPB-R Project comprises the design, construction, delivery, training and sustainment of nineteen 40 metre patrol boats - to be gifted by the Commonwealth of Australia - to twelve Pacific Island nations as part of Australia’s new Pacific Maritime Security Program.Construction of the Austal design will commence in Western Australia in April 2017, with deliveries scheduled from 2018 to 2023. Sustainment of the new fleet of vessels will be carried out by Austal from facilities in Cairns, Queensland.Austal is positioned to play a key role in the delivery of the Commonwealth’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy, as the only ASX-listed Australian shipbuilder and Defence prime contractor currently delivering multiple naval vessel programs for Australian and overseas customers, including the Royal Australian Navy and US Navy.(Austal)

New Gepard 3.9 for Vietnamese Navy during sea trial in the Novorossiysk (all photos : forums.airbase.ru)Pair of Gepard 3.9 warship (3rd and 4th) are likely to be equipped with two torpedo launchers arranged along the hull.Recently, photographer Evgeniy (Russia) has posted the latest photos in the Shipspotting online warship 3rd Gepard 3.9 for Vietnam People's Navy is the Novorossiysk port after the sea trials 02/17/2017 on the Black Sea.Warship 3rd Gepard 3.9 plant as number "486" has completed the entire superstructure including the installation of weapon.

At the corner of this photo can be seen at the location between the hull seems torpedo launchers (red mark) - anti-submarine weapons aboard Project 11661E Gepard 3.9 frigates of the Vietnam.Earlier, Russian media said that new pair of ships Vietnam Gepard 3.9 is equipped with sonar and submarine weapons but did not specify type.Gepard 3.9 ships 3rd frigates (plant number 486) was launched 27/04/2016 day, and the 4th (plant number 487) dated 26.05.2016 launched at Zelenodolsk plant named AMGorky . It is expected that the technical handover pair vessel for Vietnam People's Navy will take place in the middle of this year.

According to the notification of the plant, pair Gepard 3.9 Project 11661E ships are larger than pairs of vessels 011 Dinh Tien Hoang and 012 Ly Thai To, country specific stretch of about 2,200 tons full load, 102,4m long, wide 14,4m. The expansion of the size compared to 2 old ship might be to integrate surveillance system and anti-submarine weapons.Regarding the number of crew, while two old ships to more than 100 operators, the two new vessels will just 84 people. This suggests that, Gepard 3.9 improvements will be enhanced automation allows reducing the number of sailors despite larger size vessels. Also, Gepard 3.9 enhancements will equip new momentum system that allows ships to reach a maximum speed of 29 knots/h (higher than 28 knots/h 2 old Gepard vessels).In addition to anti-submarine weapons additional vessel Gepard 3.9 frigates are still armed with naval guns AK-176M, anti-aircraft guns AK-630, artillery guns combinations - anti-aircraft missile Palma-SU and anti-ship cruise missile Kh-35 Uran-E and radar systems, resulting in similar pair shot the previous vessel.(KienThuc)

BTR4 armored personnel carrier (photo : strategic bureua)According to the documents, which were in the online, Myanmar is planning to organize the licensed production of the new Ukrainian armored personnel carriers BTR-4.This is the writing of Russian military expert Diana Mikhailova.According to her words, the state company "Ukrspetsexport" supplies to Myanmar set of equipment for the production of welded shells for light armored vehicles BTR-type 4U and 2S1U. Apparently, the planned organization of production in Myanmar BTR-4. Designation 2S1U previously had the option of upgrading the 122-mm self-propelled howitzers 2S1, however, in this case, it may have in mind the assembly organization in Myanmar tracked vehicles based on the chassis and hulls 2S1.

According to the contract № USE-16.1-27-K / KE-14, concluded in 2014, the Ukrainian has received a set of equipment for the production of welded shells for light armored vehicles BTR-4U and 2S1U. In particular, the complete sheet was loaded 15-ton assembly and welding stand for BTR-4U TO53.1329-270, assembly and test configuration housing a total cost of $ 44,301,966.It is previously known in 2003-2006. assembly kits for 92 BTR-3E has been supplied to Myanmar.(Military Informant)

M1A1 Abrams tank inside a C-17 airlifter of the RAAF (photo : Aus DoD)General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $13,144,278 cost-plus-fixed-fee, foreign military sales contract (Kuwait, Australia, and Saudi Arabia) for systems technical support and sustainment system technical support for the Abrams family of vehicles and derivative systems. Bids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Michigan; Germany; Killeen, Texas; Korea; Kuwait; and Poland, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2018.

ADF M1A1 Abrams MBT (photo : Wayne Orellana)Fiscal 2010, 2011, and 2017 operations and maintenance (Army); research, development, test and evaluation; and other funds in the combined amount of $13,144,278 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-17-C-0067).(US DoD)

27 Februari 2017

Next Generation Patrol Craft for MMEA with UAV launcher (photos : Malaysian Defence) KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is building six large vessels in an effort to improve its maritime security supervision and monitoring of the country’s waters. MMEA director-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar said two of the vessels would be deployed in the waters of Sarawak and Sabah and the remaining in the waters of Peninsular Malaysia to cover areas where the country shared its maritime borders with Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore. “The safety of the country’s waters is always MMEA’s priority given the fact that the water passage is used as the main route for trading activities (exports and imports) between Malaysia and other countries,” he told the media after launching the Sarawak MMEA Volunteer team here, yesterday. He said first vessel would be launched in March and would participate in the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA 2017) exhibition in Langkawi on March 21-25, while the second vessel was scheduled to be launched in May.

“I am optimistic that with the new vessels MMEA will be able to monitor the country waters efficiently,” he said. The vessels, according to Ahmad Puzi, would be equipped with modern and sophisticated technology ,including the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system that could get more information from the radar way above what the ordinary ships were capable of doing. In addition to the six large vessels, Ahmad Puzi said the agency would also receive two 90-metre vessels from the Japanese Government next month. According to Ahmad Puzi, the two vessels was the Japanese government’s gifts for MMEA in keeping the waters safe which was also the gateway for Japanese vessels in their import and export activities. “In fact, we also received same gifts from other countries such as Canada, which accounts for two speedboats, and Australia also contributed two vessels and five speedboats to MMEA,” he added.(NST)

Construction of the 001A or Liaoning II (photo : war is boring)2nd carrier almost completeChina is close to completing its second aircraft carrier, which will begin service by 2020, experts said. China Central Television (CCTV) reported that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 001A class aircraft carrier's scaffold has been removed and red undercoat has been painted below the ship's waterline in Dalian, northeastern Liaoning Province, and that a launching ceremony will soon be held. "Unlike the Liaoning (Type 001), China's first aircraft carrier, a refitted ship built by Ukraine (under the former Soviet Union), the 001A is China-built, and its design, combat capability and technologies will be much more advanced," Song Zhongping, a military expert, told the Global Times."One key difference is the design will be more 'humanized,' which means all personnel on the carrier will enjoy a more comfortable and modern environment," Song said. However, "there's still a long way to go from its launch to enlistment, which normally takes two years," Yin Zhuo, a senior researcher at the PLA Navy Equipment Research Center, told CCTV.Song said "its status can be compared to a house whose paint job has been completed but requires decorating, which, in military terms, is called the 'outfitting stage.'"It means all weapons and equipment, including the radar system, air defense system and communications system will be outfitted on the carrier. After this, the carrier and aircraft on it will be tested, and then the carrier will be ready to serve, Song said. "Construction of the aircraft carrier is on schedule. Most of its construction and design work has been completed. Its hull has already been assembled at the shipyard. The ship will soon be equipped with radar and other facilities," said Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian in October 2016, in response to media inquiries on reported aircraft carrier images circulating online.A large amount of work remains to be done on the carrier's outfitting stage after it's launched, presumably sometime this year, Li Jie, a naval military expert, said. "It will take about one to two years to carry out functional debugging of its devices, weapons and equipment. The new aircraft carrier can begin sea trials by early 2019."Third aircraft carrier with catapult technologyOn December 31, 2015 the Chinese defense ministry formally announced the construction of the 001A, and another spokesperson Yang Yujun said, "This carrier, with a displacement of 50,000 tons, will be the base for J-15 fighters and other types of aircraft." The design and construction of the second aircraft carrier is based on experience, research and training from the first carrier, the Liaoning, Yang added.

Based on information released by the Chinese defense ministry, 001A's aircraft will still use the ski-jump method of taking off from a ski ramp on the front of the carrier just like its "sister," the Liaoning, rather than more advanced catapult technology used by US aircraft carriers.China is looking into catapult technology, Li said, and the technology will likely be adopted on the 002, China's third aircraft carrier, which is being built in Shanghai."In other words, 002 is entirely different from the Liaoning (001) and 001A, and it will look like US aircraft carrier rather than a Russian one," Li said.Most advanced aircraft carriers use the Electromagnetic Catapult System, or Electromagnetic launcher (EML), to launch carrier-based jets, but China is still testing steam catapults, Li said. "The main difference is that EMLs are more flexible and the system's speed can be controlled, so it can launch aircraft of different sizes."Yin said "in order to protect China's territories and overseas interests, China needs two carrier strike groups in the West Pacific Ocean and two in the Indian Ocean. So we need at least five to six aircraft carriers." (Global Times)

China’s FC-31 Fighter May Be Slated for Carrier OpsFollowing the first flight of a second Shenyang FC-31 prototype, on December 23 last year, there are now discussions within the Chinese media that the improved aircraft might be slated for operations on the new Chinese carrier fleet. The aircraft has been named the “Gryfalcon.”The second prototype is similarly configured to the model that was displayed at China's Zhuhai Airshow last November. It features some common design elements to the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter, such as cropped vertical stabilizers. It also has an Electro Optic Targeting Sight (EOTS) under the nose. In an interview on Chinese television, military analyst Chen Hu said that it is not surprising to see elements of the J-20 on the FC-31, since both jets are being developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AIVC).

A second prototype of the FC-31 has flown at Shenyang. (photo : AIN)A new scale model of the FC-31 on display in the Shenyang Aviation Museum carries Chinese naval insignia, further hinting at a planned carrier capability for the aircraft. The museum is owned by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Like most carrier-borne aircraft, the FC-31 has a twin nose gear, and it was recently reported that the third Chinese aircraft carrier would be fitted with three steam catapults.Chen also noted that the smaller and lighter footprint of the FC-31 gives it an advantage on a carrier’s limited deck space. Moreover, Shenyang would have an advantage over other Chinese aerospace companies, because of its experience in adapting the Su-27 for Chinese naval use as the J-15.Specifications revealed at the Zhuhai Airshow suggest that the length of the Gryfalcon has increased from 16.8 meters to 17.5 meters. The maximum takeoff weight has increased by three tonnes to 28 tonnes. In addition, the wheel wells of the second prototype are significantly smaller, allowing for a larger internal weapons bay, capable of accommodating up to 8 tonnes of armaments.The aircraft was originally powered by the Russian-supplied Klimov R-93 turbofans, but Chinese analysts have noted that the latest test flight did not produce the thick exhaust smoke seen in earlier flights. This suggests that the second FC-31 has new powerplants.The FC-31 is self-funded by Shenyang, which is hoping to export it. The current list price for the Chinese is at $70 million, significantly lower than the F-35A Lightning II. In 2014, Pakistan’s defense production minister Rana Tanveer Hussain stated his country’s interest in procuring 30-40 FC-31. Discussions have since reportedly advanced beyond the initial phase. (AIN)

BRP Gavao Del Sur - 602 (photo : IMF)MANILA (PNA) -- The country's second strategic sealift vessel (SSV), tentatively known as the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), is almost completed and will start dock and sea trials by March.This was confirmed by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a interview with the Philippine News Agency."LD-602 is more than 95 percent complete. By March (she) will have a series of dock and sea trials to test her systems, machineries and equipment," he added.At the moment, PT PAL (Persero) shipbuilders in Surabaya, Indonesia are now installing navigational, deck and engineering equipment on the PN's second SSV.The BRP Davao Del Sur was launched last Sept. 29. She is the sister ship of the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), currently the largest Filipino warship in commissioned.BRP Tarlac was commissioned during short ceremonies at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last June 1.She arrived in the Philippines last May 14 after a five-day journey from PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya which started on May 9.

BRP Gavao Del Sur - 602 (photo : pdff)BRP Davao Del Sur is also a Makassar-class landing platform dock like her sister ship BRP Tarlac.Its delivery to the Philippines, is tentatively scheduled this coming May, will complete the two-unit SSV procurement project with an approved budget contract of PHP4 billion sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund.Just like the BRP Tarlac, the PN's latest SSV will serve as a floating command-and-control ship especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response and will also serve as a military sealift and transport vessel.The ship has an overall length of 120 meters,breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.She has a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.BRP Davao Del Sur can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters. (PNA)

F-15SG of the RSAF (photo : US Military Update)Singapore is eying Ohakea air base in Manawatu as a potential base for one of its own Air Force squadrons of F15 fighter jets.Up to 500 people would be stationed in or near the base in the region.Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee confirmed that the Singapore Government in undertaking a feasibility study to determine what the move would entail, including housing and education needs of family.That study needed to be completed before any proposal could be put before the Singapore or New Zealand Governments.Brownlee said that Singapore's position in Southeast Asia so close to Malaysia and near Indoesia meant that air space was very tight."New Zealand doesn't have the same congestion so the opportunity to fly more freely clearly exists at Ohakea."

F-15SG of the RSAF (photo : fighter sweep)The Singapore Air Force has other overseas bases, in France, the United States and in Western Australia's Pearce Air Base where a squadron is based.Brownlee suggested the benefits to New Zealand would be strategic and economic."It would mean there would be up to 500 people based out of Ohakea in the Manawatu region so that has a big economic effect on the local community," he told the Weekend Herald."But the benefit of strengthening the strategic alliance with Singapore is the most important aspect."Brownlee said there was deadline by which the proposal needed to be considered by but he expected that it was approved, could take a couple of years to establish.Singapore and New Zealand have a longstanding defence relationship. The New Zealand Army stationed a battalion in Singapore for 20 years until 1989. And both are members of the Five Power Defence Arrangement along with Britain, Australia and Malaysia.

Ohakea AFB, New Zealand (image : GoogleMaps)New Zealand's combat arm of the Ari Force was axed in 2001 by the Helen Clark-led Labour Government.Asked if the Singapore proposal might be a way for New Zealand to re-establish a combat arm, Brownlee said "definitely not.""It would be a Singapore operation entirely but based at Ohakea."He did not know how many aircraft would be involved but a squadron is usually between 12 and 24 aircraft.Singapore has F15s in New Zealand at present to take part in an Air Force Tattoo at Ohakea this weekend.(NZ Herald)

Spyder missile of the Vietnam (all photos : MAN motors)In 2016, 377 Division 377 has successfully completed the training, live firing and acceptance, receiving missile deployment Spyder, according to Colonel Vu Jade Emperor, the Deputy Political Commissar of the Division.The information was confirmed in the article "A number of measures to strengthen the discipline in the Air Defense Division 377" of Colonel Vu Jade Emperor, the Deputy Political Commissar of 377 Division published in national defense 2/2017 of January.Receiving Spyder missilesSo this is the first time a military unit official information about the consortium received the first Spyder missiles under the contract signed with the Israeli side. Earlier, Lieutenant General Le Huy Bay - Commander of the Air PK-KQ also confirmed that Vietnam has ordered missile Spyder.According to data in the report "Transforming the world of weapons" by the Institute for the Stockholm International Peace published recently, Vietnam has ordered 5 antiaircraft missile complexes Spyder-MR midrange under a contract signed 2015 and as of the moment they are the only one combination is transferred to Vietnam.Spyder missile air defense weapon is the new generation, very modern Israeli fabrication and manufacturing. The consortium is designed to cater to the organization of air defense operations by mode center network warfare, warfare in all weather conditions, likely high self-propelled maneuver, fighting escalated quickly and aiming to be multiple targets simultaneously.Consortium has the ability to kill the target aircraft types including fighters, helicopters, unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles and munitions have been fired from the other controls in an environment away from institutional pressure powerful electronics.

Vietnam the Spyder missile purchase is not merely to replace the missile S-75 Volga (SAM-2) was old but also a major breakthrough on the force, strengthening the firepower to against any threat from the air, catch up with the advanced level of technology of the world.The units, which is equipped?According to Colonel Vu Ngoc Hoang, deputy political commissar of Division 377, in 2016, the Division successfully completed the task, there are many tasks successfully completed, such as:"Training, live firing and acceptance, receiving missile deployment Spyder; host and participate in team combat maneuvers by the missile C125M Air Defence - Air Force held the first prize; the unit participate in live fire exercises were achieving Proficient flak. "Although the article did not elaborate on the training, live firing rockets Spyder acceptance but more likely where the work is being done in your country to fight Israel where the first team of Vietnam for transfer students line type this new generation missile.Maybe each team fighting was practiced in schools reporter 2-3 shot rounds of Israel to evaluate training results and acceptance prior to sealing ammunition, moved onto the ship repatriated. "Complete Excellence" certainly means that kill target right from the first rounds, the traditional right of the opening game defeat PK-KQ Vietnam team.

Reportedly, 377 Air Defense Division is tasked with combat readiness, management and protection of the airspace south central and Spratly islands of the country and are now on the payroll of the only Division 1 medium hero of People's Armed forces missile regiment, the Regiment were 274 - Doan Hung Vuong missiles.This is also a very special unit - the only missile regiment of the Air PK-KQ equipped mix of 2 missiles S-75 and S-125 Pechora Volga (SAM-3).Earlier, Division 377 are also equipped with radar complex visual realm ELM-2288ER round of Israel, is acting as gods eye, watching all the static aerial.SPYDER about this, combined with modern radar would be enormous advantages for this duo can connect with each other perfectly, doubly powerful private rooms in South Central region, up an air defense network modern, safety Cam Ranh - conjugate base is especially important before any threats.Thus forces the surface ships, submarines, naval reviews can rest assured the implementation of its key tasks is trained and ready to fight protect and assist island.(Soha)

24 Februari 2017

JMSDF TC-90 aircraft (photo : Peter Steelhouwer)2 JMSDF TC-90s aircraft to be delivered on March 27MANILA, Feb. 23 (PNA) -- The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) will deliver two of the five leased turbo-prop TC-90 aircraft to the Philippine Navy's (PN) Sangley Point air facility on March 27.This was confirmed by Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in an interview Thursday.The aircraft will be delivered to the country by JMSDF pilots and will be formally transferred to the Navy on the same day.Lincuna said the remaining three TC-90s will be transferred to the Navy before the end of the year.He added that the TC-90s will be used to augment the existing Norman-Britten BN-2 Islander fleet, which the Navy uses in patrol, surveillance and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and rapid assessment missions.Last November, two PN pilots and six air crews left for Japan to start their TC-90 flight training.The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier announced that the Philippines will re-equip the TC-90s as Japan has stripped them of some equipment, including their surveillance systems.The country will pay Japan USD7,000 each for the first four aircraft yearly and only USD200 for the fifth, for total of USD28,200 as stipulated in its lease agreement.The DND added it is also looking at the possibility of using the TC-90 for 20 years while the military is upgrading its equipment.The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized Feb. 29 last year.The TC-90's patrol range is double that of a small Philippine aircraft, which only has a maximum range of 300 km. (PNA)

The Predator B envisaged in Royal Australian Air Force markings. (photo : General Atomics Aeronautical Systems)General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is set to officially launch an industry team for the AIR 7003 Phase 1 Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System project at the Australian International Airshow.Representatives of Cobham, CAE Australia, Raytheon Australia and Flight Data Systems are scheduled to attend the event on February 28.General Atomics will be displaying an MQ-9 Reaper turboprop-powered remotely piloted aircraft, otherwise known as the Predator B, and its Advanced Cockpit Ground Control Station at the Avalon Airshow.The Integrated Investment Program that was published with the 2016 Defence White Paper outlines a plan to acquire an armed unmanned aircraft to provide an integrated and persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and attack capability to support the Australian Defence Force and coalition forces. The AIR 7003 project reached ‘gate zero’ in early November.(ADBR)

Hanwha K-21 amphibious IFV (photo : Jane's)Seeking export successHanwha Defense Systems (Stand 12-C35) of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has brought its latest production K21 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to IDEX in an effort to win a first export contract for it. It has been developed to meet the requirements of the ROK Army and has also been referred to as the Next Infantry Fighting Vehicle (NIFV), with an estimated 500 units under contract or delivered.When compared with other IFVs, the K21 is well armed with a two-person turret armed with a 40mm cannon and a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun (MG), with some models having a twin anti-tank launcher mounted on one side of the turret.The K21 IFV has a combat weight of 25 tonnes and unlike most other tracked IFVs is fully amphibious with additional buoyancy aids and is then propelled in the water by its tracks at a maximum speed of 6km/h. It is fitted with an in-arm hydropneumatic suspension system, which not only provides a good ride for the crew consisting of commander, gunner and driver, and nine dismounts, but is also a more stable firing platform.K21-105 Medium TankTo meet potential export customer requirements, Hanwha has developed the K21-105 medium tank. This consists of a K21 IFV hull modified to take the Belgian CMI Defence two-person turret armed with a 105mm rifled gun and a 7.62mm co-axial MG. This combination has already completed its mobility and firing trials in South Korea, as well as in an undisclosed Asian country in Asia, believed to be Indonesia.In addition to firing conventional natures of 105mm ammunition, the system can fire a laser-guided projectile fitted with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead to neutralise targets fitted with explosive reactive armour, out to a maximum range of 5,000m.The company has also developed an armoured recovery vehicle, a command post and a driver training vehicle based on the K21 IFV platform, which are in service with the ROK Army.(Jane's)

23 Februari 2017

Kawasaki C2 airlifter, max payload 35 ton (photo : Katsonori Kimura)Thailand and Japan are edging closer to finalising a defence trade and technology agreement that could facilitate Japanese defence exports to the Southeast Asian country.Jane's understands that talks about bilateral defence industrial co-operation are continuing to support potential Japanese sales of equipment including air defence radars and communications systems, as well as major platforms such as the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft and C-2 transport aircraft.Japan is also understood to be drafting the required legal framework through which Tokyo will allow defence sales. This framework complies with Japan's Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, which replaced the country's military export ban in 2014.(Jane's)